More than 987,000 Connecticut residents, businesses and municipalities took advantage of Energize Connecticut’s home and business energy efficiency solutions in 2015. As a result, these consumers will collectively save nearly $1 billion in lifetime energy costs, according to a report recently released by the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board (EEB).

The EEB’s 2015 Programs and Operations Report was released March 1 to Connecticut’s General Assembly and other policymakers, energy efficiency advocates, and stakeholders throughout the state. This annual report outlines how the Energy Efficiency Fund empowers the state’s residents, businesses and municipalities to use energy more efficiently through Energize Connecticut (Energize CT) program offerings provided by Eversource and The United Illuminating Company (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas and Southern Connecticut Gas.

“Our 2015 results demonstrate that energy efficiency is not only a critical energy resource that helps residents and businesses save money on their energy bills, but that it’s also a strong driver of job growth in our state,” said William E. Dornbos of the Acadia Center and Chair of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board. “Our report estimates that the total 2015 investment in energy efficiency will create about 9,258 new in-state jobs. This is the real power of energy efficiency — boosting our state economy while improving our quality of life at home, at work, and in our schools and towns.”

Avoided greenhouse gas emissions of over 3.3 million tons for the lifetime of the measures (about the same as removing nearly 787,000 cars from the road for a year)

Energy system benefits of $2.80 for every $1 invested in electric, natural gas, propane, and oil heat efficiency measures – a return on investment of 180% across all fuels

“One of the things I am most proud of is the level of community involvement in 2015,” said Matt Gibbs, Director of Connecticut Energy Efficiency at Eversource. “We saw more than 150 Connecticut cities and towns roll up their sleeves and tackle energy efficiency head-on because they understand the benefits for their homes, businesses and community.”

Energize CT services for homeowners and renters include in-home services such as Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES), rebate and retail product programs, a program for the construction of new homes, and financing options to assist with the investment in energy efficient upgrades.

“Last year was a tremendous year for the growth of LED lighting in Connecticut, with more than two million residential LED lighting products being sold,” said Pat McDonnell, Director of Conservation and Load Management at UI. “A single LED bulb has a life expectancy of 23 years, uses up to 90 percent less energy, and can save homeowners as much as $10 per year versus a traditional incandescent bulb, which has about a 1.5 to 2.5 year lifespan. We helped residents adopt LEDs by providing instant rebates at retailers for qualifying ENERGY STAR® products.”

Commercial, industrial and municipal services include free energy audits for small and large businesses. Rebates, incentives and financing options are available for the purchase of new energy efficient equipment, or for incorporating energy efficiency measures into new construction. Additional training programs to help implement company-wide energy efficiency behavioral changes are available to companies.

Energize CT’s community and educational outreach in 2015 included smart energy curriculum training for 480 educators, partnerships with 154 Clean Energy Communities, hands-on "green construction" training support for the Connecticut Technical High School System, and partnerships with the Connecticut Science Center, The Discovery Museum, the Stepping Stones Museum for Children, and the Trash Museum. The grand opening of the Energize Connecticut Center in North Haven was also celebrated in 2015. The Center is the only place in the state that provides children and adults with a hands-on learning experience to discover the important role that energy plays in our daily lives.

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.